BOSTON – Tuesday, July 2, 2013 – MassDOT advises motorists and transit users to travel safely over the 4th of July holiday and to take advantage of available traffic information resources.

“I encourage our highway users and transit customers to be alert and make safe decisions when celebrating with family and friends this holiday,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.

Holiday traffic congestion is expected at times over the next several days, particularly on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. To help ease congestion, construction restrictions will be in place across the state from Wednesday at noon through Friday morning. In the downtown Boston area, work will be restricted from Wednesday at 5am until midday on Monday. The HOV lane on the Southeast Expressway will not be deployed on Friday, July 5.

Also, along the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) cash toll booths will be adequately staffed to handle the anticipated volume, motorists should consider joining the E-ZPass program ahead of the holiday: www.Mass.gov/EZPassMA

Before heading out, consider downloading the free Ride Wise iPhone application that provides users access to the real time traffic information on Interstate 93, sections of the Massachusetts Turnpike, Route 3 on the South Shore and Route 6/Mid-Cape Highway. MassDOT’s interactive Traffic Cameras web page offers live looks at current traffic and the 511 telephone service is another way to get update to date travel conditions. MassDOT reminds drivers to avoid using cell phones while behind the wheel.

All 18 MassDOT services plazas will offer free coffee to travelers from 10pm on Thursday to Friday at 5am. The plazas serving free coffee include 11 service plazas along I-90 plus plazas along Route 3 in Plymouth, Route 128 in Beverly, Route 128/I-95 in Newton and Lexington, Route 6 in Barnstable, and the Route 24 northbound and southbound plazas.

The MBTA and MBTA Transit Police are preparing for the July 4 festivities with an increase in service and security for the thousands of people traveling to and from The Esplanade. In addition to increased service, bus, subway, and commuter rail fares will not be collected from 9:30 p.m. to the end of service on Thursday, July 4. Visit MBTA.com to learn more.